Salon Lofts in Mentor is rising to the lofty heights hoped for since its opening last year at the historic Center Street building at Routes 20 and 615. Local beauty industry pros who’ve transitioned from operating under employers in larger salons to pursue individual entrepreneurship through Salon Lofts are tickled pretty pink with their moves. Jessica Lucas shared personal reasons for her satisfaction. “I was ready to promote myself,” she said. “I did a lot to build my client list. I wanted to have control of the professionalism. When you’re in a big salon there’s other things going on around you — clothing, conversations. This way you can set a standard and keep it there and not worry about other people.” Salon Lofts differs from traditional salons in that the company rents single units from which stylists operate independent businesses. It’s a community of experienced beauty professionals who enjoy all the benefits of owning a salon without the risks. The company offers a range of online tools and a personalized marketing platform to foster the growth of independent salons, according to information from the company’s website. Assistance with social media and marketing, affording clients the flexibility to manage appointments entirely on line, setting one’s own rules and schedules and retaining all profits typically make for a winning, lucrative situation, stylists said. Monetary returns to Salon Lofts stream via rent payments. Professional beauty services include hairstyling, massages and skin and nail care that take place within individual suites uniquely decorated by each owner-operator. When scouting for a site in the area in 2011, Salon Lofts reps found the refurbished former school suited their needs. Erik Quigley, a Solon Lofts representative who filed an application to use the space, found the layout of the second floor in the building to be desirable. “In the beauty profession, natural light is our number one light source, so being able to put sky lights in the ceiling — this was the best use, the second floor,” he said in an earlier interview. The space features original brick walls, high ceilings and large windows along with modern elements, including touch-screen equipment and stylish furniture in waiting areas. “What a unique space,” said Ron Traub, Economic and Community Development director in Mentor. “It’s fun to just go into the building.” Thus far 16 of 22 available spaces are occupied. A website managed by the company also provides stylists’ profiles including their specialties as a means of introduction to potential clients. While Kelly Pintz worked on cutting client Robert Trentel’s hair, the Euclid man said the website indicating that men’s hairstyles were among her specialties drew him to make his first appointment. “That’s why I’m here,” he said. Pintz said her client base has grown by at least 10 percent since moving in six months ago. “The word about Salon Lofts is traveling, and people are getting more curious,” she said. Gina Mote of Madison Village signed up with Salon Lofts in December after running a larger business in the area for 22 years. Now that she has grandchildren a more flexible schedule and relaxing atmosphere appealed to her, she said, adding “This place is beautiful. It’s exactly where I wanted to do my craft.” Cleaning, maintenance and other chores are taken care of by Salon Lofts allowing her more time to focus on clients. On the other end of the spectrum stylist Kathleen Namestnik said she always wondered if owning her own business was something that would work for her and discovered that it does. Patricia James of Painesville, Namestnik’s client, said she enjoys the set-up. “I just come straight in and here she is,” said James. “It’s a little more private as opposed to a salon.” Stylist Sarah Wassil said the support Salon Lofts provides is exceptional. “They’ve helped with marketing, advertising, and they’re very supportive with their Issues Center,” she said, claiming that a leaking sink reported one evening was fixed and in working condition before her first client arrived the next morning. Chelsea Wickman who lives in Painesville Township is a new kid on the Salon Lofts block. In her fourth week she said she appreciates that she can decide “everything” and that “with a click of the button I can open or close my schedule.” Wickman was convinced to join the beauty group after she received a $100 gift card from the company to tour the facility. “Once I stepped in I fell in love with it,” she said. Several years ago her grandfather taught in the building when it was used as a school. Though teaching the Three R’s and styling hair exist in somewhat different realms, “It’s cool to be working in the same space my grandfather did,” she said. “The seasoned, successful stylist is really going to flourish here,” said Zoe Johnson, Salon Lofts marketing manager. “We have a team to help you grow your business … we’re about freedom and empowering the stylist.” In addition to Mentor, other locations include Beachwood, Shaker Heights and Woodmere. For details, visit salonlofts.com
